The Gawler Foundation

Welcome!

The Gawler Foundation is unique in that it has been working with people challenged by serious illness for over 25 years, particularly Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis. Long before terms such as ‘lifestyle’, ‘stress’ and ‘wellness’ made it into the general parlance. Our staff are qualified and trained to support you in your particular situation, either through the program, or through individual counselling sessions here or at our office in Blackburn, or indeed through our non residential programs conducted in Melbourne.

Whether you are looking for healing, or simply seeking to improve your own physical, emotional or spiritual wellbeing, The Gawler Foundation has much to offer you. Website is www.gawler.org

Our residential programs are conducted in the beautiful foothills of the Yarra Valley at our purpose built site – The Yarra Valley Living Centre – at Yarra Junction. The Centre enjoys all the simplicity and beauty that nature has to offer from resident kangaroos and koalas, to our biodynamic gardens and ornamental gardens set in natural bushland. We always welcome visitors and a simple phone call to our office will ensure a guided tour of the property. While you are here you may well like to browse through our specialist Resource Centre where we have a large and diverse collection of books, CDs and other items aimed to help you.

What is Possible?

"The science is clear. People with MS who learn these self-help techniques, integrate them with the best of current medical management and sustain the lifestyle changes, can reasonably hope to stabilise their condition where it is; that is to halt its progression. There is the more radical possibility of profound healing and the reversal of symptoms." Prof George Jelinek, Author 'Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis'

About the MS Program

The Gawler Foundation MS Program has been developed by Professor George Jelinek and Dr Ian Gawler and is facilitated by MS survivors Dr Keryn Taylor and Prof Jelinek. It is based upon Professor Jelinek’s book “Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis”, in conjunction with Ian Gawler’s 25 years of experience of conducting innovative self help and healing programs.

The program is based on credible science, human experience, optimism and practicality. Whilst you will gain invaluable insight and information from the facilitators, most sessions will involve learning through direct participation and experience. Discussion is encouraged and there is plenty of time for questions and answers. You will meet and share with a group of wonderful and exceptional people, and experience the extraordinary power and potential in the group process. Participants can expect to leave feeling inspired, informed, and capable of taking more control of their lives. This experience will give them the tools for better health and wellbeing.

The 5-day residential program provides an ideal introduction! An opportunity to be looked after as you immerse yourself in the program. A gentle blend of relaxation, meditation, learning and sharing. With a high level of input from Keryn and George, your questions will be answered, confidence built and a clear direction set.

The Program aims to:

Halt the progression of MS

Maximise healing and wellbeing

Create a sustainable program for each participant to take with them in their ongoing lives

Increase awareness of the range of current options; including medical treatments, complementary medicine and self-help techniques

Generate confidence in participants that they have made the choices that will best suit their individual needs.

Introduce participants to self-help and self-healing techniques, using a theoretical framework and experiential exercises.

Address prevailing fears and misunderstandings of MS; seeking to clarify the confusion and transform this into positive outcomes.

Assist participants to examine the meaning in, and the purpose of their lives.

Use the group process to facilitate communication and to generate a mutually supportive network.

Attending the program with Support

Attending with a partner/support person is recommended wherever possible. Sharing in the program allows the support person to understand and support you in implementing and integrating what you have learnt. It is also a great opportunity for them to take some time out, to be refreshed and to learn how they can sustain themselves in their caring role.

Additional Services available during the Program

Counselling:Private consultation appointments are available with our counselling staff before, during or after the program.

Massage, Shiatsu Massage and Reflexology:With qualified, experienced therapists, very relaxing and re-energising – good for body and spirit.

Resource Centre:Renowned for its comprehensive selection of books, tapes and CDs in the areas of health, healing and self-development.

The Group LeadersDr Keryn TaylorProfessor George JelinekSiegfried GutbrodPaul BedsonMaia Bedson

We have a team of highly qualified and caring staff who draw on a rich background of personal experience. More importantly, they have an empathy and understanding gained from many years working and training in this specialised field. The facilitators may vary between programs.

CANCER PROGRAM – Life and Living Program – 10 Day Residential

The aimThe aim of the program is to help you to develop full confidence in establishing a healthy, healing lifestyle. When you return home, as your life continues, you will be confident that you are doing all that is possible to experience and sustain a life filled with peace, meaning and good health. You will learn principles and skills that can transform your life. We have seen many cases of personal triumph.

Medical and therapeutic supportWhile doctors do lead several of the program’s sessions, the Yarra Valley Living Centre is a non-medical facility. A not for profit organisation, The Gawler Foundation remains independent of any product, therapy, company, publication or person.

About the Program:

The PrinciplesOur bodies have a natural, inherent capacity to heal themselves. The principles you will learn in this program will enable you to activate and develop that healing power, maximising your body’s potential to restore its natural state of balance and vitality.

On the Program you will learn to:

Fully activate your potential for inner healing

Relax effortlessly and meditate deeply

Develop and sustain a positive state of mind

Use a healthy diet and nutrition for healing

Overcome obstacles to peace of mind

Find meaning and purpose in life

Draw upon effective support

This is a self-help approach that is intended to work with and reinforce effective medical treatments, as well as complementary therapies.

Please note... To remain completely unbiased and independent OMS is an independent website that receives no funding from the pharmaceutical industry, device manufacturers, or other companies and is not affiliated with any 3rd party groups or organisations.